Friday Favorites: The Start of Christmas Season

This week officially marked the beginning of Christmas season.  With some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, decorating the house, listening to Christmas Music non-stop and enjoying Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas is in full swing.  Here are some of my favorite things from this week..

 

Favorite Meal:  Turkey Croquettes
Literally heaven in a ball.  Turkey and Stuffing mixed together in a ball and fried.  I didn't say it was healthy, but it is oh, so delicious!  The picture doesn't do them justice, I almost didn't include it in the post.  I'll have to ask my mom for the recipe if you're interested, which you should be, cause my mouth is literally watering right now! YUM!






Favorite Decorating Extravaganza:  Putting up the lights!
Usually I don't help much at all with putting up the lights, but this year I was totally in the spirit to decorate and get ready for Christmas.  I think the fact of not having finals or other distractions has let me soak up the Christmas spirit early and I love it!



Favorite Deal:  50% off Express
I woke up Friday morning around 11:15 before a dentist appointment and checked my email.  I saw an email from Express that they were having 50% off until noon- instant panic set it.  I had been dying for this super cute sequin skirt that I couldn't rationalize paying full price for.  I was so excited to be able to get it half off- and just in time!  Hello, New Year's Eve outfit!


Favorite Event:  Carrie Underwood Concert
Carrie Underwood's Blown Away Tour made its stop in Philadelphia on Wednesday night and what a night it was.  I went straight to the Wells Fargo Center from work and met my sister, Kristine, and my friends from the radio station there.  We had awesome seats and both Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes' performances were amazing.  I saw Carrie perform on her Play On Tour and was thoroughly impressed.  This concert left me nothing short of BLOWN AWAY!  Hunter Hayes also continues to impress me with his musical abilities- I can't believe he played/recorded all of the instrumentals for his debut record, but it's true.  The kid plays over 30 instruments.  I can't even name 30 instruments.  I am literally mind blown!  An added perk to working at a radio station- backstage passes!!! And Kristine got to experience the perks as well.  Such a fun night! :)  

 And now, the most exciting and squeal-worthy Friday Favorite!

Favorite Announcement:  Boy Meets World Sequel is OFFICIALLY HAPPENING!!

Boy Meets World was my favorite show of the legendary TGIF line up as a kid.  (That and Full House are neck and neck for my all time favorite childhood show.)  So naturally I was peeing-my-pants-excited when there were rumors that the show was going to have a sequel!  Then Ben Savage, better know as Cory Matthews, tweeted that the show was officially happening and I got even more excited!  The show is still in early development, but will have the original producer and members of the cast, according to this Fox News article!  I'm pretty certain I speak for most 90's children when I say that I can not wait for "Girl Meets World" to air!!!!

What are some of your favorite things this week?

My Christmas Playlist!

Christmas playlists are just as important as any other staple of the Holiday season.  Here are my favorite Christmas songs (and favorite versions of each), which will be playing all day, everyday, for the rest of the year, with some of Pandora's Country Christmas thrown in the mix!  Enjoy!

What's on your Christmas playlist?

Rutgers to the Big Ten!

It has been officially announced that Rutgers University Football team will be the 14th member of the Big Ten Conference starting at a date that is TBD, but most likely the 2014-15 season.  

When I heard the rumors flying around all sorts of social medias, all I could think about was:

 "HELLO BIG TIME COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!"

Rutgers, to me, is more than my alma matter.  Rutgers is something that I associate with friends, family, football, my childhood, many memories and countless other blessings in my life.

In a way, I grew up on the banks.  Not only being a die-hard fan throughout childhood, being a student, and now an alumni, but having the memories that I have and being able to watch the football program grow into what it is today has been truly amazing.

I was in the stands when the team went 2-9 in 2001 and 1-11 in 2002.  I flew to Miami with my grandpa, aunt/uncle and cousins for the game against the Hurricanes in 2003.  I was there for the biggest win in school history when Rutgers beat Louisville, ranked #3 at the time, 28-25 on Thursday, November 9, 2006.  I also traveled to Houston Texas with my dad and other family members for the 2006 Texas Bowl against Kansas State.  I was there throughout a devastating 2010 season of 4-8;  the season with no bowl invitation and when Eric LeGrand became paralyzed.  I have been there during the scorching hot days early in the season, and freezing cold ones towards the end.  I have stayed during rain, snow, and really any weather condition that presented itself on game day.  And I have taken numerous road trips to Syracuse, West Point (Army), Anapolis (Navy), etc, to cheer on the Scarlet Knights.  But most importantly, I'm here now, as Rutgers is currently 9-1, looking for a Big East Championship title in 2012 and making a move to the Big Ten.

To say that I love football and Rutgers, both together and separately, is the understatement of the century.  I could not be more happy, proud or excited to watch the team and program "KEEP CHOPPING"!  I also see some very fun road trips in the future!!! I've always wanted to go to "The Big House"!

I have been waiting for Rutgers to make it to big time football my whole life and I am so excited to see where the program goes.  I am so proud to be a part of the RFamily!

My father sent me to old Rutgers,

And resolv'd that I should be a man (or a woman);

And so I settled down,

in that noisy college town,

On the banks of the old Raritan.

On the banks of the old Raritan, my friends,

where old Rutgers ever more shall stand,

For has she not stood since the time of the flood,

On the banks of the old Raritan. 

Then sing aloud to Alma Mater,

And keep the scarlet in the van';

For with her motto high,

Rutgers' name shall never die,

On the banks of the old Raritan.

New Feature: Friday Favorites

Many blogs that I read have weekly features, so I decided to start one on my blog as well.  This idea of "Friday Favorites" came from Lauren Conrad.

Here are a few of my favorites from this past week:

Sticking to a theme of my blog, Favorite Song:  The Band Perry, Better Dig Two

This is the newest single from The Band Perry and just as expected, it is awesome!!!! The first time I heard it I wasn't really paying attention and was confused on what the song was about.  Once I stopped and listened to the lyrics of the song I fell in love with it.  It is the ultimate love song, but with an upbeat feel and completely unique lyrics/story.

"If divorce or death ever do us part, the coroner will call it a broken heart"- pure genius!!!!

This song reminds me of couples like Johnny Cash and June Carter or Allie and Noah in the movie version of the Notebook, but not as tragically beautiful.  I love it!

 

 Favorite Drink:  Starbucks Vanilla Chai

Usually I like iced drinks, but Mother Nature has been having some mood swings this fall and some mornings are just too cold for it.  I love an Iced Vanilla Chai and a hot one is just as delicious!  I am eager to try the holiday drinks as well, but I'm sure this will be my drink of choice this winter. 

 

  Favorite Lips: Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter, Cotton Candy

I'm experimenting with lip colors and love the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter thanks to Kate.  I want to buy more colors and see which ones I like best.  What lip colors do you wear?

Favorite Show:  Nashville!

It's obvious that I love country music.  I love everything about it and what it stands for, so that comes without saying that I love the city of Nashville, Music City.  I've only been there once but it is my favorite city (in the States,  I might be more in love with London).  So you could imagine how excited I was that there was going to be a show based there.  Well, true to form, I'm obsessed with the show.  It is filled with drama, country music and (some fake) southern accents.  It keeps getting better as the weeks go on and they just announced that it's been picked up for a full season.  I am so excited to see the plot thicken and drama un-fold! You should check it out!
 

 

Favorite Person: Daddy!

Most of you know my dad is awesome and everything a girl could ask for in a father!  But he gets extra recognition today because it's his birthday!!! Happy Birthday Daddy, I love you! One more year until you're officially over-the-hill, but you'll always be young at heart!

What are some of your Friday Favorites? :)

Music Review: Taylor Swift, Red

Okay so I've waited to post about Taylor Swift's new album because I needed to gather my thoughts.  And to be honest, I'm still not sure if I have them put together yet!

Initially I was like "Ughh, Taylor Swift" cause her songs are all about failed love/ relationships.  She consistently sounds desperate and its kind of annoying.  I feel like she doesn't sing like she's 22.  She still sings like she's 16.  Her music hasn't matured with age, so ultimately I've out grown her.

Though I wouldn't say her songs are good or really recommend them to people interested in experiencing country music, her songs have a sense of fun innocence to them.  They can bring you back to a time of innocence or high school with all of the drama she includes in her lyrics.  Not to mention the fact that she is was dating a kid that is still in high school so I guess I've made my point.  She's immature and going to lose the fans that are her age and older.  She's gonna continue to be a singer for "teeny-boppers"! (My friends are going to have a field day with that phrase!)  Which, again, is fine since she still produces hit after hit, breaking tons of records and selling multi-million copies of her CDs.

I have complete mixed reviews about Taylor Swift in general.  As for her songs, you have to be in the mood to listen to her music.  Taylor Swift as a person in the spotlight is different.  I haven't met her, but people who have say she is wonderful.  She is a gem of a person- great to talk to and be around.  I can see that, but it kinda makes me scrunch my eyebrows and wonder how/why she has so many failed relationships about love to sing about.  They're probably more like middle school crushes that she mistakes for love to write a hit.  Kudos to her cause it obviously works.

On top of her hit music, Taylor Swift is a great business woman from what I can see. Or better yet, she has amazing Marketing and Promotions teams. They're genius.  Teaming up with Papa John's to release her album, I'm sure Domino's and Pizza Hut now have open positions in those departments from whoever dropped the ball on that one.  Her album releases are always highly anticipated.

Though I can't pin-point a song that stands out to me as the best, I would have to choose Red as my favorite and without a doubt We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together is my least favorite.  And even though I wouldn't nominate this album for Album of the Year, I have to say that I am impressed and give Taylor credit for experimenting with new sounds.  This album does sound different than her previous albums and I like that about it.  But there's something about the album that still hasn't settled with me yet (hence the reason this post is so late, I was trying to figure it out!)

With that being said, I still find myself listening to it and getting some songs stuck in my head.  Go Figure!  :)

bELieve #52

I've been going to football games for as long as I can remember, especially Rutgers Football games. And in my life I have never heard an entire stadium go completely silent, except once.  On October 16, 2010.

The Rutgers vs. Army game is always a big one for our family because most of my family has attended Rutgers, but my dad attended West Point.  That year the game was held at the New Meadowlands Stadium (where the NY Jets and NY Giants play) during its inaugural season.  So, just like every other Saturday of fall, we packed up the tailgating supplies and had a party!

This game turned out to be one the entire Rutgers Family (in attendence or not) will never forget.  Late in the 4th quarter on a kick off return Eric LeGrand #52 made a hit that echoed throughout the whole stadium resulting in numerous "ohhhh"s and cheers from the fans.  But after the hit, Eric LeGrand didn't stand up.  He layed near the 25 yard line immobilized with Coach Schiano, trainers, and then EMTs running to his side.  When the crowd realized he wasn't moving the stadium went silent then filled with quiet murmurs from the fans.  Eric LeGrand had become instantly paralyzed breaking the C3 and C4 vertebrae in his neck.  Eric was wheeled off the field on a stretcher and rushed to a nearby hospital.

The mantra "bELieve" was born in the Rutgers community and spread like wild fire throughout the country.  Eric LeGrand has become an inspiration for everyone who knows his story.  His attitude and determination are remarkable. 

He recently wrote a book, BELIEVE, that I just finished.  I highly recommend it for anyone.  It was an amazing eye-opener.  It is a wonderfully emotional book that makes you laugh and makes you cry.  Eric's story makes you appreciate the things you have and take for granted everyday.   

In the book, Eric addresses his changed life and the struggles he faces from being confined to a wheelchair with no movement below the neck.  He has never felt sorry for himself or asked "why me".  He takes his injury as a way for him to inspire others and spread awareness of spinal cord injuries.

 The first half of the book talks a lot about football- plays, games, and the Rutgers Football Program.  I didn't mind this because I love football and have been following Rutgers for years.  However, this may be boring to some people.

I loved the part of the book where he described an old Rutgers tradition of the Scarlet Walk (pgs 91-92)!  Though the section was short it was so descriptive.  Growing up and going to Rutgers games every weekend, the Scarlet Walk became one of my favorite parts of the RU football experience.  And when the team was 1-9  (in the early 2000's) those were the things you had to look forward to for excitement (well, and the Kid's Zone)!

Eric's description took me back to a place and time with all of those early years of Rutgers tailgates flooding back.  I couldn't help but smile.

I admit while I was in college I didn't attend the Scarlet Walk half as much as I would have liked, but that doesn't make it any less of a Rutgers Tradition.  I always look forward to those shots of Rose Tequila by the "big tree"!! :)

Eric LeGrand is very inspirational for everyone who knows his story and bELieves in him.  Everyone should remember this verse when we are feeling like we don't know what's in store for us.

Hurricane Sandy

As a new blogger I feel as though I can not have this recent natural disaster come and go without commenting on it, especially since it has hit close to home and effected so many people that I love.

We were very fortunate to not lose power and have no damage.  Lots of family and friends were not as fortunate:

• Two cases of trees falling on parts of houses and other trees falling
• Most without power since early Monday evening (Oct. 29)
• Beach houses taking on water, completely under water or washed away
• and other damages.  

The winds during the storm were intense.  I took videos that did not capture any images, just the beating sound of the wind.  The neighbor's trees were blowing half way over and one eventually fell.

Kristine and I watching Hurricane Sandy from Kaylee's bedroom window!  
(Mom turned the lights on to take the picture!)

The aftermath images of the Jersey Shore are absolutely heart breaking.  It no longer exists.  No boardwalks, no beaches, none of our favorite bars or eatery's.  It's devastating.  Memories upon memories of days, weekends, and vacations soaking up the fun in the sun are all that's left. 

This video of New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, brought tears to my eyes.  You can see by his expression, just how devastating this is.

Governor Christie tweeted, "We will rebuild the Shore. It may not be the same, but we will rebuild.  #Sandy"

It's time for New Jersey to show the rest of the country and world that the Jersey Shore is not just about fist pumping, tanning, and getting drunk! We're Jersey Strong!

Everyone who has been greatly effected by Hurricane Sandy, with physical or emotional damage is in my thoughts and prayers.

Side Note:  Is anyone else freaked out by the fact that in the movie "2012" NY flooded in October? 

 I didn't believe the world was going to end until now!